WHITE SPONGE NEVUS

GENERAL BACKGROUND

White sponge nevus is a condition characterized by the formation of white patches of

tissue called nevi (singular: nevus) that appear as thickened, velvety, sponge-like tissue. The
nevi are most commonly found on the moist lining of the mouth (oral mucosa), especially on the
inside of the cheeks (buccal mucosa). Other common sites include the tongue, floor of the
mouth, and alveolar mucosa. The onset is early in life, and both sexes are affected equally. The
exact prevalence of white sponge nevus is unknown, but it is estimated to affect less than 1 in
200,000 individuals worldwide.

TYPE OF GENETIC DISEASE

WSN is caused by a mutation of the keratin 4 or keratin 13 genes, located respectively at

human chromosomes 12q13 and 17q21-q22.This condition is inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern, which indicates that the defective gene responsible for a disorder is located
on an autosome (chromosomes 12 and 17 are autosomes), and only one copy of the defective
gene is sufficient to cause the disorder, when inherited from a parent who has the disorder.

PHOTOS/ILLUSTRATIONS

SYMPTOMS

TREATMENT